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Saturday, April 25, 2015

Nick Cave's "Up Right Atlanta"

Friday night involved a lot of spectacular firsts for me. It was the first time I've seen Nick Cave's artistry, the first time I've attended a Flux Project event, and it was the first time I've visited Ponce City Market. It was a fantastic evening!There are two shows per day throughout the weekend, of Cave's piece Up Right: Atlanta, each show being comprised of two distinct performances. I had no idea what to expect going in, but let me tell you...you are in for a real treat!

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

Nick Cave is working with Tracy Lang, assistant professor of dance at Spelman College and artistic director of T. Lang Dance. Thirty-one local artists—dancers, performers, and musicians—are performing the work. And it was obvious to me that each is committed to their art and to providing a remarkable experience.

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

I'd like to share a little about the second performance first. It was the longer of the two, less energetic than the first, but just as—if not more—potent, and ascendant.

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

The adornment of the dancers began with encasing them in a prop-cradle infrastructure. I had surmised that at least some of the massive amount of props on the stage would become costumes, but I was blown away that ALL of it became costumes for the half dozen or so dancers. Believe me...there were enough costume elements to dress six times the number of dancers than were in the show.

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

Said of the performance:

Cave initiates—the lead characters of this work. Through the performance, they are prepared mind, body and spirit to face the forces that stand in the way of self-hood, to enter a world over which they have complete control. Initiates become warriors of their own destiny.

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

I was impressed that even the final checks and balances, after fully costuming the dancers, was given as part of the performance. Truthfully, I thought this segment was interpretive until I finally realized that it was a final costume check and an unhurried opportunity for the dancers to ready themselves to balance what must be rather heavy ensembles.

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

Intended or not, and as thought-provoking as the performance is, it carries with it a degree of humor. From a two-foot tall scarf-wearing duckie—part of the costume adornments—to the dressers using large brushes to groom the super-sized fury costume elements, there were ample opportunities to enjoy the quieter of the two performances.

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

I heard that some felt that the performance was slow and too long, but I think those people totally missed out. Frankly, just about the time that I started to think the same thing was the precise moment I began relax into the piece and immensely enjoying it. It's not at all slow. It calms the mind to a point of reflection and introspection, as well as speculation about the story unfolding on stage. It was also when I looked quite closely at the costume design and detail. What appear mere common materials—an aluminum Christmas tree, a crocheted throw, and various beaded pieces...to name only a few—are actually a complex and intricate chorus of exterior persona.

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

The opening moments of this particular performance began with the dancers "disrobing"...not completely, of course. We knew then that we were in for something not quite expected. What it became, and what it truly was from the beginning, was quite beautiful.

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

What others are saying about Nick Cave's work...

"Nick Cave's hybrid creations are part Alexander McQueen, part Andy Warhol, and wholly bizarre, brash, and beautiful. He combines elements of sound, performance, color, and costume to create whimsical works that even the darkest soul would find hard to resist." – Artspace

Nick Cave's "Up Right: Atlanta" | Flux Projects | Ponce City Market

I mentioned that there were two performances. The first took place on the main level and among the guests! Notice the "drum major" on the far right of the above photo. He was magnificent and delightfully energetic, as were the other colorful performers. Both performances were superb. I definitely recommend seeing this show if you can swing tickets.I'd like to thank Carrie of Launch Atlanta for letting me know about the show.Nick Cave's Up Right: Atlanta is at Ponce City Market for the weekend. I've heard that performances are selling out (they're free, but require reservations), so check their website for tickets before heading over.If you' don't make it to this show, watch for more of Nick Cave's artistry and definitely look for other Flux Projects events!

3 comments:

Anonymous
said...

As you said, it was a joyful wild dance in the first part of the performance and a sad/slow beautiful/tearful last part of the performance. I loved the piece and that the performers and Flux and Mr Nick Cave

Not my first Nick Cave performance. T Lang, who choreographed the first segment rocked the house. The performers connected with the audience. To the uninitiated, very moving and inspiring. Nick's performance was like watching paint dry. It was a self involved, detached commentary open to much interpretation (his intent as stated by him). Thanks Nick for letting me have my own interpretation. All of the performers were fantastic!!